How to Repot Plants and Shake Off Old Dirt

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Whether grown as houseplants or in outdoor containers, potted plants require periodic repotting or they outgrow their pot. An overgrown plant becomes root bound, which results in roots growing out of the drainage holes, soil that dries too quickly or a plant that begins to lift out of the pot. Most potted plants require repotting every one to two years, usually in spring as new growth first begins to appear. Removing most of the old soil and repotting the plant can also help minimize disease and pest buildup in the soil that could affect the health of the plant.

1

Water the plant until the excess drains from the bottom of the pot, indicating that the entire rootball is moistened. Allow the soil to soak up the moisture for 30 minutes before removing it from the pot.

2

Line the interior of a new pot with a coffee filter. The coffee filter allows moisture to drain, but prevents the soil from falling through the drainage holes. The new pot should be about 2 inches larger than the old pot. Fill the pot one-third full with clean potting soil. Mound the soil slightly in the center of the pot.

3

Turn the plant pot upside down, supporting the soil and plant with the palm of your hand. Thump the edge of the pot on a table until the soil and rootball slide out of the pot and into your hand.

4

Gently tease the roots apart with your fingertips so the excess soil falls from the roots. Grasp the plant by the stem lightly near the base of the plant, and shake it gently to remove any remaining excess soil. If the roots are badly bound, cut through the outer roots with a clean knife two to four times to loosen them.

5

Set the plant in the prepared pot, and spread the roots down the sides of the mound. Add more soil beneath the roots so the top of the rootball sits about 1 1/2 inch below the pot rim.

6

Fill the pot with soil until the plant's roots are buried at the same level they were at previously. Water the soil until the excess drains from the bottom so the soil settles around the roots. Add more soil, if needed, and water a second time.

Things You Will Need

Pot

Coffee filter

Potting soil

Knife

Tip

Repotted plants may wilt at first or growth may slow. The plant will resume healthy growth if you continue to water and provide adequate sunlight.

About the Author

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.